AMID the reign of terror by thugs in the Sharada Ja’en, Sheka and Dorayi areas of Kano, respite came, according to an analysis by News Point Nigeria and Daily Trust.
Salman-Dogo Garba has assumed office as the 46th Commissioner of Police for the Kano State Police Command to spearhead the activities surrounding the security affairs of the state.
By virtue of the position and in the traditional setting, the Commissioner of Police takes charge as the head of the joint security heads committee in the state.
The return of violent acts of thuggery in the state is seemingly one of the fundamental issues bedevilling the people of Kano State and has been a pressing issue before security operatives.
While the act has different dimensions and weight across several locations, the most disturbing areas remain open and well known.
Personally, I think the first and foremost way of taming this growing menace is for the new police chief to put mechanisms in place to reshape and change the mindset of the people to take responsibility for their security as part of their contribution to the security operatives by engaging the window of community policing.
Bringing the people together to think in the right direction is very important, people must take responsibility because the perception of individuals has been divided and that has given bad light and name to the government and the security agencies especially the police.
The police must work to sensitise the public and tell them how they operate and their boundaries. The present situation in Kano is a big example. People are beginning to see the police in a different manner, politics is spoiling things.
Phone snatching has been a glaring case that has claimed lives of many in Kano State. The same act has resulted in inflicting serious injuries on the bodies of innocent people while their phones are gone.
The previous CPs have done their parts and some of them did well. The police must put mechanisms in place to address this. All the perpetrators of these crimes are not hidden. They are members of the communities living with their families and friends.
The police must anyway see non state actors as rivals or trying to take over their jobs. They must utilise them very well, have synergy with vigilantes and others and respect boundaries and have a strong connection.
Kano youths are fond of being in possession of dangerous weapons and the people creating them are yet to be apprehended. When stringent punishment is put in place for anyone caught with a weapon, it will reduce the fast growing pace of attacks on innocent people.
As days passed for the new CP in office, it is clear that he is beginning to get hold of the situation before the command as expectations arise.
The CP had reassured determination and commitment to fighting thuggery (Daba) and other violent criminal activities head-on in the State.
CP Salman Dogo Garba, after assumption of duty on 24th June, 2024, had patrolled the affected areas, assessed the security situation and obtained first-hand information where he assured the residents of his determination and commitment to maintaining peace and order in the State.
During the visit to the affected areas, the Commissioner of Police, engaged with the community leaders and the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of those areas to fathom strategies for combating these menaces and restoring peace and security in the areas.
Furthermore, the CP hinted that security is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of everyone in the society. Therefore, all hands need to be on deck to safeguard the well-being of all law-abiding residents in the state.
Kabara, is a writer and public commentator. Her syndicated column, Voice, appears on News Point Nigeria newspaper on Mondays. She can be reached on hafceekay01@gmail.com.